Warriors Aiming To Make Oracle Arena Cellphone-Friendly With New Digital Upgrades

The Warriors are trying to make Oracle Arena a "very mobile-friendly place" as the club in recent months has "rolled out a free arenawide Wi-Fi network, an indoor antenna system to help frustrated cellphone users get a better signal and most recently, an iPhone app," according to Troy Wolverton of the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS. The app, which the Warriors "unveiled this month, shows team news, lists upcoming games, displays players virtual trading cards, includes promotional offers and has links to Web pages where users can buy jerseys and tickets online." Warriors President & COO Rick Welts and the club are "already planning new features and updates." In the future, fans may be able to "use the app instead of a paper ticket to gain entrance to a game." This summer, the team "plans to release an Android app, and is considering an iPad version." The Warriors are one of a "growing number of teams that are embracing digital technologies." The 49ers have said that their new stadium in Santa Clara is "going to be a technological marvel." The Warriors said that two other NBA teams are "offering Wi-Fi to fans in their arenas," while six other NBA teams have mobile apps. But sports consultant Andy Dolich said that meeting fan expectations "could prove challenging" for teams across pro sports. He added that not all venues are "well suited for Wi-Fi or for offering decent cellphone connection." Welts said that the Warriors "plan on making [their] digital marketing efforts optional." But he thinks that "most fans will participate" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 4/23).